A Big Hit Making Bamboo Water Guns!

One of the programs for this camp is making water guns.
This is also a theme the children are very much looking forward to.
Making water guns is sure to be a blast.
We live in an age where you can buy anything, but it is definitely more fun to make your own toys!

First, let's cut the bamboo and drill the holes.

Some magnificent bamboo has arrived.
The children cheer, "Wow!"
It is green and glossy. Some of the children are seeing bamboo for the first time.

The children will cut this bamboo themselves.
Since it would be dangerous if it slipped, everyone wears children's work gloves to do it.
After being taught how to use a saw, they cut it with the support of volunteers.
"Be careful," "Don't look away."
They cut it so that a node remains on only one side.

It seems many of the children are using a saw for the first time.
It seems difficult because the blade gets stuck until they get the hang of it.
They learned the tricks to cutting well from the volunteers and gradually got used to it.
Then, they use an awl to make a small hole on the side with the node. This will be the hole where the water shoots out.

Let's make the rod to push out the water.

We will make the rod to push out the water. The plunger should be straight and thinner than the space inside the bamboo. Wrap cloth around the tip. Secure it with a rubber band so the cloth doesn't come off.
Wrap the cloth to a size that just barely fits into the tube. If there is a gap, water will leak and it won't push out well, so it's just right if it takes a little force to insert the lump of cloth attached to the end of the rod.

"It's cute, like a teru-teru bozu is attached to the end of the stick!"
The excitement builds.
And with that, it's finished! All the children are itching to try it out quickly.

Now, let's take our water guns outside!

We've come outside. It's a nice day today, too. There is a large park a short walk away, so we will move there. Let's put water from a bucket into the water guns and give them a try!

"Eek!" "It shoots really far!" Everyone is having a great time. The first attempt at making bamboo water guns is a big success.

In addition to having children learn knowledge related to disaster prevention, the Children's Disaster Prevention Association prepares various events to polish their sensibilities and cooperativeness. If you shut yourself in your own shell, you cannot help each other in the event of a disaster. It is necessary to actively call out to friends and people around you and help each other.

This time, too, by making bamboo water guns together and playing together, we were able to spend a fun time with everyone. We were also able to express our feelings of fun and happiness to the fullest. It was a precious time where they could live lively, like children.